Laptop Hard Drive / SSD Replacement & Upgrade

Professional Laptop and Desktop PC Storage Replacement Service in London

Expert storage replacement and upgrade service for laptops and desktop PCs in London. Whether your hard drive has failed completely, your laptop won’t boot, you need more storage capacity, or you want to upgrade from slow HDD to fast SSD or NVMe storage, we provide professional storage replacement services with same-day turnaround for most laptop models. We handle everything from emergency hard drive replacements to performance-boosting SSD upgrades.

Your laptop or PC storage drive (hard drive, SSD, or NVMe) is where your operating system, programs, and data are stored. When it fails or becomes too slow, your computer becomes unusable or frustratingly sluggish. Storage replacement is often the most cost-effective repair for non-booting laptops and the single biggest performance upgrade you can make to an older computer.

Signs You Need Storage Replacement or Upgrade:

• “No operating system” or “No bootable device” error: Laptop powers on but displays messages like “Operating system not found”, “No boot device available”, “Boot device not found”, or similar errors
• Laptop won’t boot past logo screen: Computer turns on, shows manufacturer logo (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.), but gets stuck and won’t load Windows or macOS
• Clicking, grinding, or beeping noises: Mechanical hard drive makes repetitive clicking sounds, grinding noises, or repeated beeping (clear sign of physical drive failure)
• Extremely slow performance: Computer takes 5-10+ minutes to boot, applications take ages to open, constant freezing during use (often indicates failing drive with bad sectors)
• Frequent crashes or blue screens: Windows crashes regularly with BSSD errors mentioning “DISK”, “STORAGE”, or “INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE”
• Files disappearing or corrupting: Files randomly become corrupted, inaccessible, or disappear entirely
• Diagnostic confirmed storage failure: You’ve had laptop diagnostics performed and the storage drive was identified as faulty
• Running out of storage space: Constantly deleting files to free up space, “low disk space” warnings, unable to install updates or new programs
• Want faster performance: You have an old mechanical hard drive (HDD) and want to upgrade to modern SSD for dramatically faster boot times and application loading

Understanding Storage Types – HDD vs SSD vs NVMe

Modern laptops and PCs can use three types of storage, each with different performance characteristics and price points:

Storage Types Available:

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Traditional mechanical drive with moving parts. Slowest option, makes noise, vulnerable to shock. We only recommend HDD for desktop PC bulk storage. Not recommended for laptops in 2025.
• SATA SSD (Solid State Drive): Modern flash storage with no moving parts. 3-5x faster than HDD, silent, shock-resistant. Standard upgrade for older laptops with HDD. Uses same 2.5″ SATA connection as old hard drives.
• NVMe SSD (M.2 form factor): Latest generation storage. 5-10x faster than SATA SSD, tiny M.2 card format. Used in modern laptops 2018+. Not compatible with older laptops lacking M.2 slot.

Our recommendation for 2025: Always upgrade to SSD or NVMe rather than replacing with another HDD. The performance improvement is massive. Modern operating systems (Windows 11, macOS) are designed for SSD speed – using HDD results in poor user experience.

Which storage type is right for you? During diagnostics, we’ll identify what your laptop or PC currently has and what it supports. If your laptop supports NVMe (most 2018+ models), we’ll recommend NVMe for maximum performance. If it only supports SATA (2010-2018 laptops), we’ll recommend SATA SSD as a massive upgrade from old HDD.

Our Storage Replacement Process:

Step 1: Diagnostic Assessment (30-60 minutes)
We diagnose your laptop or PC to confirm the storage drive is the problem and identify the best replacement:

• SMART diagnostics (drive health analysis)
• Surface scan (checking for bad sectors)
• Read/write speed testing (identifying performance degradation)
• BIOS detection verification (is drive recognised?)
• Identify current storage type (HDD, SATA SSD, NVMe) and connection interface
• Check laptop compatibility for upgrades (can it support NVMe? What capacity limit?)
• Assess old drive data accessibility (can we transfer files or is data recovery needed?)

If diagnostics reveal the issue is software-related (corrupted Windows, malware, incorrect BIOS settings) rather than hardware failure, we’ll recommend appropriate software fixes instead of unnecessary hardware replacement.

Step 2: Storage Recommendation & Quote
Based on diagnostic results, your usage needs, and budget, we recommend optimal storage configuration:

• Replacement option: Same capacity as current drive (if budget-conscious)
• Upgrade option: Larger capacity for more space (e.g. 256GB → 1TB)
• Performance upgrade: HDD → SATA SSD (3-5x faster) or SATA SSD → NVMe (2-3x faster still)
• Detailed quote: labour cost + storage drive cost specific to your laptop model and chosen capacity
• Data transfer feasibility assessment (if old drive accessible)
• Expected performance improvement estimate

We’ll provide the quote before ordering the drive or proceeding with replacement. If you choose not to proceed, we charge only the laptop diagnostic service fee for the assessment work performed.

Step 3: Storage Drive Installation
Once approved, we source the appropriate drive and install it:

• Order high-quality storage drive (Samsung, Crucial, WD, Kingston, etc.)
• Disassemble laptop carefully (following manufacturer procedures)
• Remove failed/old storage drive
• Install new drive ensuring correct connection and secure mounting
• Reassemble laptop and perform initial power-on test

Step 4: Operating System Installation & Data Transfer
After physical installation, we set up your laptop to be usable:

• Operating system installation: We can install Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux, or macOS (Mac computers only). This is optional – if you prefer to install the OS yourself, we’ll return the laptop with blank drive. OS installation is available as an add-on service (see our Windows installation service for details and pricing).
• Driver installation: If you request OS installation, we install all necessary drivers (graphics, audio, network, touchpad, etc.) so everything works correctly.
• Data transfer: If your old drive is still accessible, we can copy your personal files (documents, photos, videos, desktop files) to the new drive as a separate paid service. If the old drive has completely failed, data transfer requires specialist data recovery service with different pricing and timeline.
• Testing & verification: Full boot testing, storage speed verification, system stability checks

Pricing Information:

Storage replacement pricing varies based on your laptop model, desired storage type (HDD/SATA SSD/NVMe), capacity, and whether you need operating system installation and data transfer. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your specific laptop and requirements.

What affects pricing:

• Laptop disassembly complexity (some models easier to access than others)
• Storage drive type and capacity (HDD, SATA SSD, NVMe – various capacities available)
• Operating system installation (optional add-on service)
• Data transfer from old drive (separate paid service if requested)
• Drive delivery time (next-day typical for most models)

Add-On Services (Optional):

• Operating system installation: See our Windows installation service for details and pricing
• Data recovery (if drive failed completely): See our data recovery service for pricing and terms
• Data transfer from accessible old drive: Separate paid service – contact for quote

To get an accurate quote: Contact Fixfactor at our London locations, call 020 8543 7088, email us, or use the chat on our website with your laptop model and storage requirements (capacity needed, performance goals). We’ll assess your laptop’s compatibility, recommend the best storage option, and provide detailed pricing specific to your needs.

What We Need From You:

• Your laptop or desktop PC requiring storage replacement
• Exact laptop model and model number (found on bottom sticker, BIOS, or original packaging)
• Description of the problem (symptoms, error messages, when it started)
• Your usage requirements (do you need 500GB, 1TB, 2TB? Basic use or heavy video editing?)
• Whether you need operating system installation or prefer to do it yourself
• Whether you need data transferred from old drive (if accessible)

How to Identify Your Laptop Model:

To verify storage compatibility and provide accurate quote, we need your exact laptop model number:

• Bottom sticker: Check the label on the bottom of your laptop for “Model No:”, “Model Name:”, or “Product Number:”
• Windows (if laptop boots): Press Windows Key + Pause/Break, or type “System Information” in Start menu and look for “System Model”
• macOS (if Mac boots): Click Apple menu → About This Mac → system model is displayed (e.g. “MacBook Pro 13-inch, 2020”)
• BIOS/UEFI: Restart laptop and press F2, DEL, or F10 during startup – model info usually displayed in BIOS
• Bring it to us: If laptop won’t boot or you can’t identify the model, bring your laptop to one of our London locations and we’ll identify it for you

Supported Brands:

• Dell (Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Precision, Alienware)
• HP (Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, EliteBook, ProBook, Omen)
• Lenovo (ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion)
• Asus (ZenBook, VivoBook, ROG, TUF Gaming)
• Acer (Aspire, Swift, Predator, Nitro)
• Apple MacBook (Air, Pro – all models with accessible storage)
• MSI (Gaming laptops, Creator series)
• Razer (Blade series)
• Microsoft Surface (limited models with replaceable storage)
• Custom-built desktop PCs (all brands)
• Toshiba, Samsung, LG, and other brands

Performance Improvement Expectations (HDD to SSD Upgrade):

If you’re upgrading from mechanical hard drive (HDD) to SSD, expect dramatic performance improvements:

• Boot time: Significantly faster startup – minutes reduced to seconds
• Application loading: Programs open instantly instead of long waits
• File operations: Copying, moving, opening large files much faster
• Overall responsiveness: Computer feels snappy and responsive instead of sluggish
• Multitasking: Switching between programs smooth instead of laggy
• Durability: No moving parts means SSD is shock-resistant (safe for laptops carried around)
• Battery life: SSD uses less power than HDD (longer battery life on laptops)
• Noise: Completely silent (no spinning platters or clicking heads)

Note: If your laptop already has an SSD and is still slow, the problem may be insufficient RAM, outdated CPU, or software issues rather than storage. Book our diagnostic service at Fixfactor for comprehensive performance assessment.

Post-Service Support: After storage replacement, we provide basic guidance on maintaining your new drive and optimising performance. If you encounter issues within 3 days related to the storage replacement itself (drive not detected, boot failures, hardware installation problems), contact us for complimentary support. We offer 6-month warranty on all storage replacements covering the storage drive hardware and installation labour.

Booking Your Storage Replacement: Select this service during checkout and choose drop-off at one of our London locations. For a quick quote based on your specific laptop model and storage requirements, call us on 020 8543 7088, email us, or use the chat on our website with your laptop model and symptoms or desired upgrade.

Common Questions:

Q: My laptop says “No operating system found” – is it definitely the hard drive?
A: Usually yes, but not always. This error typically means the BIOS cannot find a bootable drive. Common causes: (1) Hard drive failed completely and is not detected, (2) Hard drive boot sector corrupted (may be fixable with Windows repair tools), (3) BIOS boot order incorrect (easy fix in BIOS settings), (4) Loose connection (cable/connector issue). We recommend booking diagnostics to identify the exact cause – if it’s just boot sector corruption or BIOS settings, we can fix it without replacing the drive.

Q: My hard drive makes clicking noises – is it still safe to use?
A: No, clicking noises indicate imminent mechanical failure. Stop using the laptop immediately to prevent further damage. The clicking sound is the read/write heads repeatedly trying and failing to read the platters. Continued use can damage the platters and make data recovery impossible. Book emergency storage replacement and data recovery (if you need files from the clicking drive) as soon as possible.

Q: Should I replace my old HDD with another HDD or upgrade to SSD?
A: In 2025, we always recommend upgrading to SSD rather than replacing with another HDD. SSD is dramatically faster, more reliable (no moving parts), shock-resistant, silent, and uses less power. Modern operating systems (Windows 11) are designed for SSD speed – using HDD results in poor performance even on new computers. Contact us for pricing comparison between HDD and SSD options for your specific laptop.

Q: What’s the difference between SATA SSD and NVMe SSD?
A: SATA SSD uses the same connection as old hard drives (2.5″ drive, SATA cable) with speeds up to 550 MB/s. NVMe SSD uses newer M.2 slot and PCIe interface with speeds up to 7000 MB/s (10x faster than SATA SSD for sequential transfers). For everyday use (web browsing, Office, photo editing), SATA SSD is plenty fast. For demanding workloads (4K video editing, large file transfers, professional applications), NVMe provides noticeable benefit. We’ll recommend based on your laptop’s compatibility (older laptops only support SATA) and your usage needs.

Q: How much storage capacity do I need?
A: Depends on your usage: 240-256GB is sufficient for basic use (documents, web browsing, light photo storage), 500GB-1TB is recommended for most users (comfortable space for programs, moderate photo/video collections, games), 2TB+ is for heavy users (professional video editing, large media libraries, extensive game collections, photographers working with RAW files). We can help assess your needs during consultation.

Q: Can you transfer my data from the old drive to the new one?
A: Yes, if the old drive is still accessible and functioning, we offer data transfer as a separate paid service. We copy your personal files (documents, photos, videos, desktop files, browser bookmarks) to the new drive. However, if the old drive has failed completely, is making clicking noises, or has extensive bad sectors, this requires specialist data recovery service with different timeline and pricing. We assess old drive health during diagnostics and provide quote for data transfer or recovery accordingly.

Q: Will I lose my Windows licence if you replace the storage drive?
A: No, Windows licences are tied to your motherboard, not the storage drive. If we install Windows on your new drive, we’ll activate it using your laptop’s existing digital licence stored in the motherboard firmware. You won’t need to purchase a new Windows licence.

Q: How long does storage replacement take?
A: After diagnostics, we order the specific storage drive compatible with your laptop model. Drive delivery typically takes 1 working day, then physical replacement takes 1-2 hours. If you request operating system installation and data transfer (separate paid services), add 2-3 hours. Total turnaround: typically 2-3 working days from initial assessment. If specialist data recovery is needed from a failed drive, allow 3-7 days depending on failure severity.

Q: Do you offer warranty on storage replacements?
A: Yes, we provide 6-month warranty on all storage replacements covering the storage drive hardware (manufacturer defects) and installation labour. If the drive fails within 6 months due to manufacturing defect, we’ll replace it at no charge. The warranty doesn’t cover data loss, accidental damage (drops, liquid spills), or electrical damage from power surges. We strongly recommend backing up important data regularly regardless of warranty.

Q: My laptop is very old (2010-2015) – is it worth upgrading to SSD?
A: Usually yes, if the laptop otherwise meets your needs. Even old laptops see dramatic improvement with SSD upgrade – boot time drops from 5 minutes to 30 seconds, applications open instantly, overall experience transforms. However, consider: if the laptop has other problems (broken screen, failing battery, overheating), or if the CPU is extremely outdated (Intel Core 2 Duo), you might be better off buying a new laptop. Book our diagnostic service and we’ll honestly advise whether SSD upgrade makes economic sense for your specific laptop.

Q: Can you upgrade storage in MacBooks?
A: Depends on the model. Older MacBooks (2012-2015 MacBook Pro, 2010-2017 MacBook Air) have upgradeable storage. MacBook Pro 2016+ and MacBook Air 2018+ have storage soldered to the motherboard (not user-upgradeable). Additionally, MacBooks 2016+ use proprietary Apple storage modules rather than standard NVMe – replacement is possible but requires specialist parts. Bring your MacBook to our London locations and we’ll assess upgradeability and provide quote if feasible.

Q: What happens to my old drive after replacement?
A: We return the old drive to you. Even if it’s failed, you may want to keep it for additional data recovery attempts or secure disposal. If you don’t want the old drive back, we can dispose of it securely for you (we’ll wipe it if still functional, or physically destroy it if failed, to protect your data privacy).

Q: Can you replace storage in desktop PCs as well as laptops?
A: Yes, we replace storage in both laptops and desktop PCs. Desktop storage replacement is generally simpler (easier access, more space, standard connections). We can also help with desktop storage configurations like adding secondary drives, setting up RAID arrays, or configuring dual-boot systems. Bring your desktop PC to one of our London locations or we can arrange collection if you cannot transport it easily.

Q: My laptop is slow but boots OK – is it the hard drive or something else?
A: Could be either. Slow performance can be caused by: old mechanical HDD (upgrade to SSD dramatically improves speed), insufficient RAM (multitasking limited), malware/bloatware (software cleanup needed), failing drive with bad sectors (replacement needed), outdated CPU (hardware limitation), or overheating (thermal paste replacement needed). We recommend booking our diagnostic service – we’ll identify all bottlenecks and recommend the most cost-effective upgrades or repairs. Often it’s a combination (e.g. SSD upgrade + RAM increase provides best value).